Department of Labor

The Bureau of Public Work

Under New York State Labor Law, contractors and subcontractors must pay the prevailing rate of wage and supplements (fringe benefits) to all workers under a public work contract. Employers must pay the prevailing wage rate set for the locality where the work is performed. Prevailing wage is the pay rate set by law for work on public work projects. This applies to all laborers, workers or mechanics employed under a public work contract. The Bureau of Public Work administers Articles 8 and 9 of the New York State Labor Laws:

• Article 8 covers public construction
• Article 9 covers building service contracts

We issue wage schedules on a county-by-county basis. They contain the pay rates for each work classification. Under State law, all contracts between a government entity and a contractor must contain these schedules.

Frequently requested forms

Solar Power Purchase Agreements

Updated Worker Notification Notice, effective June 23, 2020